ECB Recalls Some $30.9 Billion
In Euro Bills, Citing a Defect

FRANKFURT -- The European Central Bank will have to trash 32.5 billion in euro cash ($30.9 billion) set to enter circulation in 18 months because of a physical defect.

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, a Munich printer, produced 325 million 100-euro banknotes with what the ECB termed a "slight deviation in visual appearance." The ECB said in a statement: "These banknotes will not be brought into circulation."